Tracking elephant history in south BengalHistorical records of south Bengal show that prior to 1900, the area had dense sal forests and was home to elephant herds. Emergence of ‘South Bengal Elephants’The forest department estimates that at present there are about 140-150 elephants in south Bengal. The problem is on the rise as there is no natural habitat for elephants in south Bengal. To tackle the problem in south Bengal, there should be separate plans for solitary bull elephants and herds. Until then, in the three districts of south Bengal, elephants continue to move uninhibited, foraging on cropland and setting off flashpoints where they interact with human life.

Source: Mint November 24, 2016 22:18 UTC